“That’s all you’re going to say?”
“What do you want me to say?” I stand, grabbing my helmet. “That I'm terrified she won't show? That I proposed at the worst possible moment and I can't take it back? That I feel like I'm losing her and there's nothing I can do about it?”
The locker room goes quiet. A few guys nearby pretend they're not listening, but I can feel their attention shift our way.
Mike's expression softens. “Yeah, man. That's exactly what I want you to say. Because keeping it bottled up isn't helping.”
“Uncle Zach sad?” Ella's eyes are wide and concerned.
I’m fucking all of this up.
I force a smile and crouch down to her level. “I'm okay, kiddo. Just nervous about the game.”
“You're gonna win,” she says with absolute certainty. “And then Honey-bee will be so happy and give you a big hug.”
If only it were that simple.
A slow whistle interrupts the moment, and Sebi appears beside us, with his pads on but no jersey yet. His eyes lock onto Tiff immediately.
“Well, well,” he says, flashing his most charming smile. “Zach, I always knew you were gorgeous for a man, but I didn't realize it runs in the family.”
“Sebi,” I warn.
“Sebastian Torres, but everyone calls me Sebi,” he says, extending his hand to Tiff. “And you are absolutely stunning.”
Tiff raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Tiffany, and you are absolutely shameless.”
“I prefer confident.”
Mike steps forward, positioning himself between him and Tiff. “I'm Mike, Tiff's very protective friend who also played football in high school with Zach. So unless you want to explain to Coach why one of his star players is in the ER before kickoff, I'd suggest you take a step back.”
“Sorry.” Sebi raises his hands. “Was just trying to lighten the mood since our QB is acting like a wreck.”
“I’m not a wreck.”
You've tied your cleats three times,” Tiff points out.
“Four,” Mike corrects.
Coach Summers' whistle cuts through the noise. “Alright, families out! We've got a game to win, gentlemen, and I need your full attention.”
The atmosphere shifts immediately. The easy chatter dies as parents and siblings start filing toward the exit.
Tiff gives me a quick hug. “She'll come, Zach. Liv won't let her miss this.”
“And if she doesn't?”
“Then you play anyway. You play like your life depends on it, because right now, that's all you can control.”
Ella wraps herself around my legs. “Score lots of touchdowns for Honey-bee!”
“I will, kiddo.”
Mike claps my shoulder as they head out. “Focus on the game, man. Everything else will work itself out.”
I want to believe him.
Once the families clear out, Coach Summers moves to the center of the room, slamming his clipboard down on the table.